It’s a normal human condition to have days where we feel low, uninspired, or unmotivated.
When we find ourselves having days like this, we sometimes have a tendency to attribute the feeling to a lack of self-worth.
We make ourselves feel worse when we imagine all the things that are wrong with our current state of mind.
I believe that every situation holds within it an opportunity for growth.
Having days like this is no exception.
It is actually an opportunity for developing healthy habits, patterns and practices, and effective self-management.
There is a simple way to move toward the opportunity side of having a bad day:
DON’T “SHOULD” ON YOURSELF.
When you find yourself in a low state of mind, imagining all the things you should be doing, remember this important self-management tool, and stop shoulding on yourself. (Shouldn’ts count too, by the way)
SPEAK TO YOURSELF FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF AN OLDER, WISER YOU.
Imagine how you would speak to a child who is feeling down, and practice that on yourself.
Or imagine how someone who loves you would speak to you if they were with you right now.
Instead of beating yourself up for not being a perfect person who feels great all the time, do something nice.
Go for a walk.
Take a bath.
See an uplifting movie.
Or have lunch with a good friend.
Not shoulding on yourself is a way of trusting the order of the universe.
Creative people are sometimes faced with days where it seems their creativity has left the building.
This is not a permanent situation.
YOUR MOTIVATION WILL RETURN.
You will be inspired again.
This is not, by any means, an indicator of your self worth. It is simply part of the cycle of life.
Be kind to yourself.
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